Foldable chair

ABSTRACT

According to some embodiments, a folding chair comprises a first frame element, a second frame element, wherein the first frame element moves from a first position remote from the second frame element to a second position toward, adjacent to or against the second frame element, and a cradle comprising a guide member that guides the first frame element into the cradle.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/092,178, filed Dec. 15, 2014, and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/107,134, filed Jan. 23, 2015, the entire contents ofboth of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to foldable chairs and, in particular, tofoldable chairs having improved frames and related frame components.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Chairs with collapsible or folding frames are commonly used to provideportable seating for outdoor activities such as camping, picnicking,parties, weddings, and more. Such collapsible or folding framestypically comprise a collapsible or folding frame and a cover that issupported by the frame and defines one or more of a seat bottom,backrest or armrests of the chair. The chair is often configured tostand alone when in an expanded or deployed state and to collapse orfold into a collapsed or folded state for storage and transport.However, although collapsible or folding chairs exist, there remains aneed for improved chair designs that address issues of prior designs orat least provide the consumer with a useful choice.

SUMMARY

The systems, methods and devices described herein have innovativeaspects, no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsiblefor their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of theclaims, some of the advantageous features will now be summarized.

According to some embodiments, a folding chair comprises a first frameelement, a second frame element, wherein the first frame element movesfrom a first position remote from the second frame element to a secondposition toward, adjacent to or against the second frame element, and acradle comprising a guide member that guides the first frame elementinto the cradle.

According to some embodiments, the cradle comprises a recess that isconfigured to receive at least a portion of the first frame element. Insome embodiments, the recess is shaped and sized to receive acorresponding surface of the first frame element. In some embodiments,the recess comprises a circular or rounded shape. In some arrangements,the first frame element is configured to be positioned within the recesswhen the folding chair is open and adapted to receive an occupant.

According to some embodiments, the guide member comprises a guidesurface that extends laterally along at least one side of the cradle soat to guide the first frame element within a recess of the cradle. Inone embodiment, the guide surface is sloped relative to the direction inwhich the first frame element is configured to approach the cradle.

According to some embodiments, the chair further includes at least oneguide element that guides the first frame element toward the secondframe element. In some embodiments, the at least one guide elementcomprises at least one curved or rounded end portion that spaces a bodyof the guide element away from the first frame element when the firstframe element is in the second position.

According to some embodiments, a folding chair comprises a first frameelement, a second frame element, wherein the first frame element isconfigured to move from a first position when the folding chair is notextended and a second position when the folding chair is extended andconfigured to receive an occupant, wherein, in the second position, thefirst frame element is adjacent to or against the second frame element,and a guide member that guides the first frame element into a recessadjacent the guide member, wherein the recess is configured to receiveat least a portion of the first frame element.

According to some embodiments, the recess is shaped and sized to receivea corresponding portion of the first frame element that is configured tobe positioned within the recess. In some embodiments, the recesscomprises at least a partially rounded or curved surface. In somearrangements, the guide member comprises a guide surface that extendslaterally along at least one side of the cradle so at to guide the firstframe element within the recess. In one embodiment, the guide surface issloped (e.g., at an angle) relative to the direction in which the firstframe element is configured to approach the guide member. In someembodiments, the slope angle is between 30 and 60 degrees (e.g., 30-35,35-40, 40-45, 45-50, 50-55, 55-60 degrees, angles between the foregoingranges, etc.), less than 30 degrees, greater than 60 degrees, as desiredor required.

According to some embodiments, the guide member is located on or part ofa cradle or similar feature or component that is secured to the chair.In some embodiments, the chair further includes at least one guideelement that guides the first frame element toward the second frameelement, wherein the at least one guide element comprises at least onecurved or rounded end portion that spaces a body of the guide elementaway from the first frame element when the first frame element is in thesecond position.

According to some embodiments, a folding chair comprises a first frameelement, a second frame element, wherein the first frame element movesfrom a first position remote from the second frame element to a secondposition toward, adjacent to or against the second frame element, and atleast one guide element that guides the first frame element toward thesecond frame element, wherein the at least one guide element comprisesat least one curved or rounded end portion that spaces a body of theguide element away from the first frame element when the first frameelement is in the second position.

According to some embodiments, the at least one guide element comprisestwo curved end portions. In one embodiment, the at least one guideelement is pivotally connected to both the first frame element and thesecond frame element. In some embodiments, the at least one guideelement comprises a first guide element and a second guide element. Insome arrangements, the first and second guide elements are positioned onopposite sides of the first frame element.

According to some embodiments, the folding chair further comprises acradle comprising a guide member that guides the first frame elementinto the cradle, wherein the at least one guide element comprises atleast one curved or rounded end portion that spaces a body of the guideelement away from the first frame element when the first frame elementis in the second position.

An aspect of the present application involves the realization that itcan be desirable to guide portions of the frame toward other portions ofthe frame in moving between a folded and an unfolded orientation, butthat some guide designs can present a pinching hazard. Accordingly, insome configurations, a folding chair has a first frame element thatmoves from a first position remote from a second frame element to asecond position toward, adjacent or against the second frame element andincludes at least one guide element that guides the first frame elementtoward the second frame element. The at least one guide element can haveat least one curved end portion that spaces a body of the guide elementaway from the first frame element when the first frame element is in thesecond position.

In some configurations, the at least one guide element has two curvedend portions.

In some configurations, the at least one guide element is pivotallyconnected to both the first frame element and the second frame element.In some configurations, the at least one guide element comprises a firstguide element and a second guide element. In some configurations, thefirst and second guide elements are positioned on opposite sides of thefirst frame element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Throughout the drawings, reference numbers can be reused to indicategeneral correspondence between reference elements. The drawings areprovided to illustrate example embodiments described herein and are notintended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one type of foldable chairhaving a frame and a cover according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a different perspective view of the foldable chair ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a portion of thefoldable chair of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates another perspective view of the portion of thefoldable chair of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a guide arrangementhaving first and second guide members with a user's hand positionedbetween the guide members and a frame element generally in the middle ofthe guide members to illustrate a clearance space;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view similar to the one in FIG. 5 with theuser's hand positioned toward one side (e.g., a left side) of the guidemembers;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view similar to the one in FIG. 5 with theuser's hand positioned toward an opposite side (e.g., a right side) ofthe guide members;

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear view of a chair having guide members forguiding a first portion of the chair frame into proper position relativeto a second portion of the chair frame according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the chair of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 provides another front view of the chair of FIG. 8 illustratingthe different width positions of the front and rear legs caused by thedifferent rates of opening of the front and rear legs according to oneembodiment;

FIGS. 11A to 11D illustrate several views of a cradle comprising a guidemember according to one embodiment; and

FIGS. 12A to 12C illustrate different view of a cradle comprising aguide member according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a collapsible orfoldable chair 50. As shown, the chair 50 generally comprises a frame 52and a cover 54. The cover 54 can be a single or multiple portions orcomponents that define one or more of a seat bottom, seat back or armrests, among other possible portions of the chair 50 (e.g., canopy orshade). The cover 54 can comprise a fabric material, any other flexible,rigid and/or semi-rigid material and/or the like, as required ordesired.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the frame 52 can comprise multipleframe elements, such as a seat bottom element 56 and a seat base element58. The seat bottom element 56 can form, at least partially, the seatbottom of the chair 50, and the seat base element 58 can form, at leastpartially, a base of the chair that supports the seat bottom at adesired location, which is typically spaced above a surface upon whichthe chair 50 rests. In the illustrated arrangement, the seat bottomelement 56 is generally horizontal and the seat base element 58 isgenerally vertical when the chair 50 is deployed for use. However, inother frame configurations, these elements 56, 58 could have otherorientations. For example, depending on whether the chair 50 is intendedto be reclined, these elements could include a non-horizontal and/ornon-vertical (e.g., a diagonal, other, etc.) orientation.

In some embodiments, the chair frame 52 is selectively movable between acollapsed or folded position and a deployed position. The chair 50 isuseful as a seating device in the deployed position. The seat bottomelement 56 can be configured to move toward the seat base element 58when the chair frame 52 is moved between the folded position and thedeployed position. In some arrangements, the seat bottom element 56 ispositioned in any desired relationship with the seat base element 58when the chair 50 is in the deployed position. For example, the seatbottom element 56 can abut or contact the seat base element 58 directlyor indirectly (such as by way of the illustrated U-shaped rest orreceptacle) when the chair 50 is in the deployed position.

In some configurations, the chair 50 comprises a guide arrangementcomprising at least one guide element 60 along each side that guides theseat bottom element 56 toward an appropriate position relative to theseat base element 58 when the chair 50 moves from the folded position tothe deployed position. The guide element(s) 60 can guide the frameelements throughout a portion or an entirety of the movement between thefolded position and the deployed position. As used herein, the term“guide” is used in accordance with its ordinary meaning and can includearrangements that may influence, restrain, restrict or limit movement ofone element relative to another element. In the illustrated arrangement,the guide arrangement includes a pair of guide elements, which can be ofthe same or substantially the same construction. Alternatively, theguide elements may differ from one another.

In the illustrated arrangement, each of the guide elements 60 ispositioned on a side of the seat bottom element 56 and/or the seat baseelement 58. The guide elements 60 can be pivotally attached to at leastone and preferably both of the seat bottom element 56 and the seat baseelement 58. In some embodiments, the body of the guide element 60extends generally along the seat bottom element 56. Thus, in thestraight configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the guideelement(s) 60 can possibly pinch a user's hand between the seat bottomelement 56 and the guide element(s) 60 if the user were to place his orher hands along the end portion of the seat bottom element 56 whenmoving the chair 50 toward the deployed position from a position at ortowards the folded position, especially if this occurs as the user issitting onto the chair 50. For clarity, FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate the seatbottom element 56 slightly above or away from the seat base element 58for clarity. Although described with respect to the seat bottom element56 and the seat base element 58 herein, the guide arrangement can beconfigured to guide movement of any other frame elements, includingframe elements of any one or combination of the seat bottom, seat base,seatback, arms, canopy or any struts or other supports associated withany of the foregoing.

FIGS. 5 to 7 illustrate one embodiment of guide elements 60 that have afirst end portion 62 that is pivotally attached to the seat bottomelement 56 and a second end portion pivotally attached to the seat baseelement 58. As shown, at least one of the end portions 62 of the guideelement(s) 60 can comprise a curved or rounded end portion that spacesthe body or intermediate portion of the guide element 60 away from theseat bottom element 56 (or other frame element closest to the guideelement 60).

According to some configurations, both ends 62 of the guide element(s)60 define curved or rounded end portions. The curved end portion caninitially extend in a generally radial direction from the pivot axis andcan then curve to extend in a direction generally tangential to a circledefined about the pivot axis such that the body or an intermediateportion of the guide element(s) 60 extends generally parallel to theseat bottom element 56 at a spaced location therefrom. In someembodiments, the body or intermediate portion of the guide element(s) 60is advantageously positioned a distance from the seat bottom elementsufficient to accommodate a user's fingers or at least a sufficientportion of the user's fingers to avoid a damaging pinch. In other words,some amount of pressure applied by the guide element(s) 60 and the seatbottom element 56 may be acceptable if the pressure is sufficiently lowto avoid permanent injury. In some configurations, the body orintermediate portion of the guide element(s) 60 is spaced at least aboutone-half inch, at least about three-quarters inch, or at least about 1inch or distances between the foregoing from the seat bottom element 56.In some configurations the spacing can be at least about one andone-half inches. In some configurations, the spacing can be a value or arange of values between any of the aforementioned values or anysub-range within those values.

FIGS. 8 to 11 illustrate additional views of one embodiment of a chair50, which can be the same as or similar to the chair 50 depicted inFIGS. 1 to 7. Thus, in some arrangements, the chair 50 can combinefeatures described in connection with FIGS. 1 to 7 and featuresdescribed in connection with FIGS. 8 to 11.

With reference to the chair 50 illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 11, theoutboard guide elements 60 have been omitted. As shown, the chair 50 caninclude a single guide element 60 between the seat bottom 56 and theseat base 58 on each side of the chair 50. The guide elements 60 cancomprise curved portions to space at least an intermediate portion ofthe guide elements 60 from the associated portions of the seat bottoms56, as noted above.

In some embodiments, the chair frame 52 includes side frame portions 70that are mirror images of one another and are connected by a centerframe portion 72. Each side frame portion 70 can comprise the seat base58, a first side strut 74 and a second side strut 76. In the illustratedarrangement, a portion of the first side strut 74 defines the seatbottom 56 and another portion of the first side strut 74 defines a rearleg of the chair 50. A portion of the second side strut 76 defines aseat back of the chair 50 and another portion of the second side strut76 extends from an intersection with the first side strut 74 to a lowerend portion of the seat base 58, which defines a front leg of the chair50. As shown, the first side strut 74 and the second side strut 76 canbe pivotally coupled to one another at or near a junction between theseat portion and the seat back of the chair 50. Each side frame portion70 can further comprise a seat arm 78 having a first end pivotallycoupled to an upper end portion of the seat base 58 and a second endpivotally coupled to the seat back portion of the second side strut 76,

In some arrangements, the center frame portion 72 can comprise at leastone foldable cross-strut assembly that connects the side frame portions70 to one another. The at least one foldable cross-strut assembly caninclude two strut members pivotally coupled at intermediate locations tobe foldable toward a collapsed position and expandable toward anexpanded position in which the strut members define an angletherebetween and can be generally in the shape of an X or othercrisscross or intersecting shape.

The illustrated arrangement includes a front cross-strut assembly 80 anda rear cross-strut assembly 82. The front cross-strut assembly 80connects front end portions of the-seat bottoms 56 and intermediateportions of the seat bases 58. The rear cross-strut assembly 82 connectslower end portions of the first side strut 74 and intermediate portionsof the second side struts 76. The front cross-strut assembly 80 and therear cross-strut assembly 82 are sized differently than one another.That is, the strut members of the cross-struts 80, 82 are different inlength between the front cross-strut 80 and the rear cross-strut 82. Inthe illustrated arrangement, the strut members of the front cross-strut80 are shorter than the strut members of the rear cross-strut 82. Suchan arrangement is preferred so that appropriate support is provided toeach of the front and rear portions of the chair 50. As a result of thisarrangement, during unfolding or expansion of the chair 50, the frontand rear portions of the side frame portions 70 separate from oneanother at different rates. This can result in complications with theseat bottoms 56 properly engaging the respective seat bases 58 when thechair 50 is unfolded, especially if the unfolding occurs quickly.

In some configurations, as illustrated in, among other places, FIGS. 4and 9, the chair 50 includes guide members 90, each of which facilitatesproper engagement of the seat bottoms 56 with the respective seat bases58 when the chair 50 is unfolded to an expanded or unfolded position.The guide members 90 can be configured to contact the respective seatbottoms 56, if necessary, to help guide the seat bottom 56 into properengagement with the seat base 58. The guide members 90 can be locatedinboard of the seat bottoms 56 when the seat bottoms 56 are in theproper unfolded position. The guide members 90 can be located above theseat bottoms 56 when the seat bottoms 56 are in the proper unfoldedposition.

With reference to FIGS. 11A to 11D, the guide members 90 can be coupledto, integrated with or unitary with a stop, rest, support or cradle 92that supports the seat bottoms 56 in the unfolded position. In theillustrated arrangement, the guide members 90 are unitary projectingportions of the cradles 92. The cradle 92 can include a body thatdefines a recess 94 configured to receive the seat bottom 56. As shown,the recess 94 can be generally U-shaped or semi-circular when viewedfrom the front. In some embodiments, the recess 94 defines a width ordiameter that is sufficient for the recess 94 to receive the seat bottom56. In some embodiments, the recess 94 advantageously receives the seatbottom 56 in a relatively snug or tight manner. In some arrangements,the width or diameter of the recess 94 is similar to or only slightlylarger than the width or diameter of the seat bottom 56. In theillustrated arrangement, the width of the recess 94 is about 16.5 mm.However, in other embodiments, depending on the desired or requiredshape or design, the width of the recess 94 can be less or more than16.5 mm.

The guide member 90 can define a guide surface 96 that extends upwardlyfrom one side of the recess 94. The illustrated guide surface 96 isangled relative to the side wall surface of the recess 94. In theillustrated arrangement, the guide surface 96 is linear or flat and isangled at about 45 degrees. The guide surface 96 extends away from therecess a horizontal distance, which can be, for example, about 12 mm.Thus, the horizontal distance can be about three-quarters of the widthof the recess. In some embodiments, the horizontal distance is at leastabout one-half of the width of the recess 94 up to about three-quartersor more of the width of the recess 94. In some arrangements, thehorizontal distance of the guide surface 96 is small enough that theguide member 90 does not interfere with other components of the chair 50during the folding and unfolding process.

In the illustrated arrangement, the maximum length of the guide surface96 in the lengthwise direction of the seat bottom 56 is less than amaximum length of the recess 94. Preferably, the guide surface 96 iscentered lengthwise relative to the recess 94. As a result, a singledesign of the cradle 92 can be used on each side of the chair 50 withthe guide member 90 being positioned on the inboard side. As notedabove, the use of cradles 92 with guide members 90 can ensure that anadjacent frame member of the chair properly secures to the recess 94.This can facilitate the consistent expansion of the chair, can helpimprove safety (e.g., as improperly expansion of the foldable chair isprevented, as the dangers associated with correcting an improperlyexpanded foldable chair are avoided, etc.).

A different embodiment of a cradle 192 comprising a guide member 190 isillustrated in FIGS. 12A to 12C. The cradle 192 can be similar to theone discussed herein with reference to FIGS. 11A to 11D. However, asshown, in some embodiments, the cradle can include a slightly modifiedshape and design. For example, in the depicted arrangement, outerportions of the rib along the side of the guide member 190 that connectsto the frame of a chair have been trimmed or otherwise eliminated. Sucha configuration can accommodate for the specific design of the chairframe and can facilitate the opening of the closing of a collapsible orfoldable frame, as desired or required. As with the embodiment of FIGS.11A to 11D, the illustrated embodiment includes a guide member 190 thatcan facilitate the proper positioning of a frame member within thecradle.

The systems, apparatuses, devices and/or other articles disclosed hereinmay be formed through any suitable means. The various methods andtechniques described above provide a number of ways to carry out theinventions. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily allobjectives or advantages described may be achieved in accordance withany particular embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the methods may be performed in amanner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantagesas taught herein without necessarily achieving other objectives oradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Although several embodiments and examples are disclosed herein, thepresent application extends beyond the specifically disclosedembodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of theinventions and modifications and equivalents thereof. It is alsocontemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of thespecific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and stillfall within the scope of the inventions. Accordingly, it should beunderstood that various features and aspects of the disclosedembodiments can be combine with or substituted for one another in orderto form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intendedthat the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not belimited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, butshould be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

While the embodiments disclosed herein are susceptible to variousmodifications, and alternative forms, specific examples thereof havebeen shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that the inventions are not to be limited to theparticular forms or methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, theinventions are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments describedand the appended claims. Any methods disclosed herein need not beperformed in the order recited. The methods disclosed herein includecertain actions taken by a practitioner; however, they can also includeany third-party instruction of those actions, either expressly or byimplication. For example, actions such as “providing” include“instructing providing.” The ranges disclosed herein also encompass anyand all overlap, sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as“up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “between,” and thelike includes the number recited. Numbers preceded by a term such as“about” or “approximately” include the recited numbers. For example,“about 10 mm” includes “10 mm,” Terms or phrases preceded by a term suchas “substantially” include the recited term or phrase. For example,“substantially parallel” includes “parallel.”

1. A folding chair, comprising: a first frame element; a second frameelement, wherein the first frame element moves from a first positionremote from the second frame element to a second position toward,adjacent to or against the second frame element; and a cradle comprisinga guide member that guides the first frame element into the cradle. 2-8.(canceled)
 9. A folding chair, comprising: a first frame element; asecond frame element, wherein the first frame element is configured tomove from a first position when the folding chair is not extended and asecond position when the folding chair is extended and configured toreceive an occupant; wherein, in the second position, the first frameelement is adjacent to or against the second frame element; and a guidemember that guides the first frame element into a recess adjacent theguide member, wherein the recess is configured to receive at least aportion of the first frame element. 10-14. (canceled)
 15. A foldingchair, comprising: a first frame element; a second frame element,wherein the first frame element moves from a first position remote fromthe second frame element to a second position toward, adjacent to oragainst the second frame element; and at least one guide element thatguides the first frame element toward the second frame element, whereinthe at least one guide element comprises at least one curved or roundedend portion that spaces a body of the guide element away from the firstframe element when the first frame element is in the second position.16-20. (canceled)